Mon | Dec 23, 2024

‘I pray it remains that way’

Broadbell hopeful preparations stay on track as Racers Grand Prix opener looms

Published:Wednesday | May 29, 2024 | 12:09 AM
Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell reacts after falling in heat three of the men’s 110-metre hurdles at the World Athletics Championships inside the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary, last year.
Gladstone Taylor
Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell reacts after falling in heat three of the men’s 110-metre hurdles at the World Athletics Championships inside the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary, last year.

ONE OF Jamaica’s premier hurdlers, Rasheed Broadbell, is set to electrify the track once again as he competes on home soil at the highly anticipated Racers Grand Prix.

Broadbell, whose exceptional performances have made waves on the international stage, is returning with renewed vigour and determination following his spectacular victory at the Commonwealth Games.

Broadbell’s triumph at the Commonwealth Games marked a significant milestone in his career. His gold medal in the 110m hurdles, not only demonstrated his exceptional talent, but also cemented his status as one of the leading hurdlers in the world.

That victory fuelled his ambitions and set the stage for a promising World Athletics Championships but a fall set back what many thought could have been a podium-placing performance.

Broadbell has not raced since, increasing the anticipation for his opener at the Racers Grand Prix. Broadbell, himself, isn’t sure what to expect.

“Every year my season opener surprises me. I may not know what to expect. It’s the first race of the season and the first race since I fell at the World Championships, so for me, I’m just trying to get in race rhythm and execute what I have been practising at training.

“Preparations have been going great and I pray it remains that way.”

Broadbell will be up against fellow Jamaican Hansle Parchment, the reigning Olympic champion.

But the field is a tough one, with American standout Trey Cunningham and rising star Tyler Mason lurking.

“It has been a roller-coaster journey thus far; grateful for every part of it, most of all I just give God the thanks for bringing me through every bit of it,” said Broadbell.

“My preparation for the Grand Prix is just a part of the bigger preparation which is the Olympics and to get myself into race shape for the upcoming Olympic trials. My mindset towards this competition is to just get out there, execute, finish healthy and give some excitement to the home crowd.”

The Racers Grand Prix will take place on June 1 at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase online at racersgrandprix.com and mysticonlinetix.com while physical tickets are available at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Key sponsors for the event include Adidas, Sports Development Foundation, Ministry of Tourism, KFC, Gatorade, JN Bank, Digicel, Best Dressed and the Port Authority of Jamaica.